by Shane Henson — August 10, 2011—More electrical contractors are boosting their knowledge of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to develop a strategic, optimum lighting mix offering aesthetics with energy efficiency, according to a special supplement in the latest issue of Electrical Contractor Magazine, published by the National Electrical Contractors Association.
With 60 to 80 percent of electrical contractors now directly influencing or specifying lighting brands, a creative blend of traditional lighting with fast-emerging LEDs can solve lighting challenges and meets green requirements such as earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits and other emerging standards, energy codes and programs.
To help meet green building certification, top guiding concepts include using luminaires with well-designed optics to ensure the light reaches the intended surfaces; implementing lighting control technologies; replacing lamps, fixtures and ballasts; using appropriate controls; bi-level switching; occupancy sensors; dimming ballasts and daylight harvesting.
“Our latest lighting studies show that 40 percent of our readers’ lighting projects are design/build,” said John Maisel, publisher of Electrical Contractor. “The more we educate them on the technology and opportunities in the multibillion dollar LED market that’s growing by 30 percent per year, the greater value they bring to their customers.”
